Step 1: Teach your dog a "quiet" command
- Hold a treat in front of your dog's nose and say the word "quiet."
- When your dog stops barking, give them the treat and praise them.
- Repeat this exercise until your dog consistently stops barking when you say the word "quiet."
Step 2: Introduce the door bell
- Once your dog has mastered the "quiet" command, start by ringing the door bell while they are in another room.
- If they bark, immediately enter the room and say "quiet."
- If they stop barking, give them a treat and praise them.
- Repeat this exercise until they learn to stop barking when they hear the door bell.
Step 3: Practice in different scenarios
- Once your dog has mastered the "quiet" command with the door bell, start practicing in different scenarios.
- For example, have a friend ring the door bell while you are sitting on the couch.
- If your dog barks, immediately say "quiet" and stand up.
- Only pet and reward your dog once they stop barking.
- Repeat this exercise until your dog learns to stay quiet when they hear the door bell, no matter where they are in the house.
Step 4: Be patient
- Training your dog to not bark when the door bell rings takes time and patience.
- Be consistent with your training and don't give up if your dog doesn't learn right away.
- With time and effort, your dog will learn to stay quiet when someone comes to the door.
Additional tips:
- If your dog is particularly excitable, you may want to start training them in a quiet room with few distractions.
- If your dog continues to bark when the door bell rings, try increasing the distance between them and the door.
- You can also try using a deterrent such as a squirt bottle filled with water.